Peter Shears
Papers
1
Total Citations
20
H-Index
1
About
Peter Shears is a leading scholar in the intersection of technology, law, and public safety, with a primary focus on software liability and the legal implications of technological failure. His most cited work, "No More Soft Landings for Software: Liability for Defects in an Industry That Has Come of Age" (2005, 20 citations), is a landmark contribution that reframes the conversation around software defects. Rather than focusing on routine system crashes or data errors, Shears compellingly argues that as software becomes embedded in critical systems—from medical devices to autonomous vehicles—its failures can lead to serious physical injury. This work challenges the long-held industry notion that software should be exempt from traditional product liability standards. By grounding his analysis in real-world scenarios rather than speculative science fiction, Shears provides a rigorous framework for holding developers accountable when their code causes tangible harm. His research has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions on software regulation and consumer protection, making him a vital voice for students and researchers navigating the ethical and legal dimensions of an increasingly software-dependent world.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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